Essaouria
Essaouria
The aptly named “Windy City of Africa” was built as a naval base by Sultan Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah in the mid 18th century. Located in the west of Morocco overlooking the Atlantic ocean, it attracts thousands of windsurfers every year. It’s been an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001.
The mild climate of Essaouira is a great draw, especially during the summer months. It can be an extremely hot July day in Marrakech, and just a couple hours away in Essaouira, the weather is cool and refreshing. After sundown, it can even be chilly.
The city features a robust artistic scene. Being a melting pot for Arab, Berber, African and European cultures, it’s no surprise that such a blend would encourage prolific artists. Legend has it that artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Cat Stevens, and Frank Zappa all traveled to Essaouira for artistic inspiration. It’s unclear how true these stories are. Nonetheless, Essaouira is an amazing hub for artists. Each June there is a Ganawa music festival that is well attended.
The city of Essaouira has an interesting Jewish history, as does the country at large. During World War II, the Sultan of Morocco, Mohamed the V, established Morocco as a protective location for its Jewish inhabitants. Prior to the founding of Israel in 1948, 40% of the residents in Essaouira were Jewish. In fact, many of the buildings in the Jewish millah still wear the Star of David as a symbol of the pluralistic history of Essaouira.
Recommended Length of Stay: 1 – 2 days
The people of Morocco have never recovered from Jimi’s visit and the tales are remarkable. Like George Washington he slept in everyone’s house around the Moroccan countryside!with Jimi Hendrix to Morocco
Places to visit while here
Essaouira Port
On the edge of the medina lies the Port of Essaouira. It’s here where you’ll glimpse the famous blue…
Essaouira Port
On the edge of the medina lies the Port of Essaouira. It’s here where you’ll glimpse the famous blue boats. If you are awake early enough, you can watch the fisherman go out to sea just before dawn. They return throughout the day bringing fresh seafood of various types that can be chosen and then cooked to order nearby.
Weekly Markets
In Morocco each small village has a weekly market where farmers bring their wares into town to sell. Essaouira…
Weekly Markets
In Morocco each small village has a weekly market where farmers bring their wares into town to sell. Essaouira is surrounded by small villages. The weekly market is also the time to catch up with the local gossip.
While you are in the area, it’s likely a nearby village has a weekly market. If you have a chance to attend, it’s worth your while. You’ll find fresh fruits, vegetables, spices. Also, livestock is commonly bought and sold in these markets. And usually each market has a section of second hand items, or sometimes “ten hand.”You’ll be surprised at what you’ll find here.
The Souks
The souks in the medina have just about anything you’ll need and then some. You’ll find locally produced fruits…
The Souks
The souks in the medina have just about anything you’ll need and then some. You’ll find locally produced fruits and vegetables, as well Moroccan handicrafts. Essaouira is well known for its wooden products. You can find anything from wooden bowls for the table to wooden toys for children. There are also souks for jewlery, clothing, and lamps.
The Essaouira Medina
This UNESCO World Heritage Site was formerly known as Mogador (originating from the Phoenician word “Migdol” which means a…
The Essaouira Medina
This UNESCO World Heritage Site was formerly known as Mogador (originating from the Phoenician word “Migdol” which means a "small fortress"). Today it is one of the few fortified towns that has survived with intact walls.
You can get lost in the souks of Medina for hours watching the fishermen and traders do their thing and browsing through the enormous variety of beautifully handcrafted carpets, clothes and wooden products. Essaouira is well known for its wood handcrafts. It’s truly a one of a kind experience that you wouldn't get anywhere else.
The Ramparts
A common misperception is that the ramparts were built by the Portuguese. However the Portuguese came and left during…
The Ramparts
A common misperception is that the ramparts were built by the Portuguese. However the Portuguese came and left during the early 1500s. The ramparts seen today were built by the French military in the 1700s, and still stand proudly as if defending the city of Essaouira. With their cannons facing seaward, it is easy to momentarily lose perception of what year it is, especially when wandering out and soaking in the brilliant views of the Atlantic below the towering the cliffs.
The sqalas, or defensive batteries, are a sight to behold all on their own. The coast features two sets of batteries equipped with well-preserved cannons, constructed in the beginning of the 16th century. The second sqala can be found near the gate Bab Marrakesh of the Medina, intended to defend against insland attacks from the east.
Another sqala working in combination with the Bab Marrakech sqala is the Bab Doukkala sqala. Originally equipped with four cannons, but unfortunately not much of them remains today. A fifth small sqala exists on the tiny island off the coast of Essaouira, which could once be reached on foot during low tide. Unfortunately this sqala lost all its cannons in 1844 when French soldiers threw them into the sea.
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